Starting off
Insurance
Identification
Fines
Alcohol
Equipment
Children
Overtaking
Emergencies
Use your commonsense
Starting off
As many countries have different driving rules, obtain a copy of the foreign country’s rules before you begin driving in that country. Information may be available from foreign embassies, foreign government tourism offices or from a car rental company in the foreign country.
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Insurance
It is important to notify your car insurance company if you are taking your car abroad. There should be no cost for this within the EU, but if you do not info rm them then you could find that you only have the legal minimum level of cover while you are away. If you rent a car, make sure you have liability insurance.
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Identification
Always carry your national driving licence (and IDP if necessary), the original vehicle registration document and your passport. Remember, if the registration document is not in your name, ask the registered keeper to provide you with a letter of authority. If the vehicle is hired or leased ask the company concerned to supply you with a Vehicle or Hire Certificate. Advise your motor insurer or broker of your intentions before taking a vehicle abroad.
Display the IRL national identification letters on your vehicle when travelling outside the EU. Irish registration plates incorporating the IRL/European Union symbol make display of a conventional sticker unnecessary when circulating within Europe . However, such identification is still required outside the EU even when displayed alongside the European Union symbol.
An International Driving Permit is recognised internationally and allows the motorist to drive a motor vehicle without further formality. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is available to Irish Residents, with a current full Irish Driving Licence. Each Licence is valid for one year from date of issue. An IDP can be obtained for €5.08 each, when accompanied by a valid full Republic of Ireland Drivers Licence , a passport photograph and a completed application form. If you require both licences, please send two photographs, two completed applications and double the fee to €10.16. If applying on an EU/EEA licence please supply a copy of a utility bill showing your address of residence. Call AA Ireland for further info rmation. You may still be required to produce your own licence for inspection when hiring a car overseas. It is recommended that you always carry your own licence, even when an international permit is held. Permits cannot be issued to holders of provisional licences or non EU/EEA licence holders.
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Fines
Some countries impose on-the-spot fines for minor traffic offences. Fines are paid in the currency of the country concerned to the police of local post office against a ticket issued. A receipt should be obtained as proof of payment.
Speed limits are implemented rigorously abroad. Radar traps are frequent. In France, anyone caught travelling at more than 25km/h above the speed limit can have their licence confiscated on the spot.
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Alcohol
Just don’t drink and drive abroad. The laws are very strict in many countries.
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Equipment
Before setting off make sure that the car you are driving is roadworthy and that the headlights have been properly adjusted to avoid glare. Get the car checked, especially the filters, belts, fluid levels and have the oil changed. Check the condition of your wiper blades. Check the operation of your turn signals, brake lights as well as the high and low beams. Examine the tread on your tires. Make sure your car is prepared for the weather it will encounter on your trip. If seat belts are fitted to your vehicle it is compulsory to wear them.
Pack an emergency First Aid kit in your car. Include motion sickness medication if anyone in your group suffers from it.
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Children
Children under 12 and/or 1.5 metres in height are not permitted to travel as front seat passengers in some countries and in others may only do so when using an approved restraint system - check. It is an offence to carry more passengers in a vehicle than it is constructed to seat. Many countries do not permit children to travel as front-seat passengers, or only allow them to do so when using a restraint system appropriate to age and/or height. NEVER use a rear-facing child restraint system in a front seat where the vehicle is fitted with a passenger airbag.
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Overtaking
When you arrive, remember driving on the opposite side of the road will seem strange so extra concentration is required. Be especially careful when leaving service stations, rest-stops or when you are a few days into your trip as you may revert to your normal driving pattern.
Drive on the right and overtake on the left except when travelling in Cyprus, Malta and the Republic of Ireland. Don’t cross a solid white line to change lanes or overtake. Driving a right hand drive car on the ‘other’ side of the road means that you are not in the best position to see ahead. Always remember the decision to overtake is yours – do not rely on the judgement of the passenger in the front seat.
Many countries require you to honk your horn before going around a sharp corner or to flash your lights before passing.
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Emergencies
A warning triangle should be carried (two are required in certain cases) as its use is compulsory after an accident or breakdown in most countries, except for two-wheeled vehicles.
See AA link below for further information on specific requirements in the various countries:
Make a note of the address, telephone number and opening hours of the Irish Embassy or Consulate in the country you are visiting. In countries where there is no Irish diplomatic or consular representation, you may seek emergency assistance from embassies or consulates of other European Union countries.
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Use your commonsense
Always know the route you will be travelling. Have a copy of a good road map, and chart your course before beginning. Do not pick up hitchhikers or strangers.
Be careful when using rest stops along the road. Pass them up if they aren’t well-lit or seem unsafe. Well-lit, busy gas stations can provide a safe place to take a quick break. Truck stops are designed to provide a safe place to take a break.
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